FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

November 12th, 2010, Friday

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

In These Hands We Trust

So far there no question that not only has wide receiver Terrell Owens been one of the pleasant surprises this season for fantasy owners, but since his arrival in Cincinnati he seems to be reinventing himself as media darling. Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration, but one thing we are seeing from Owens this season, more walk and less talk.

In the team’s first 8 games this season Owens has become the league’s most targeted receiver (prior to the start of week 10) with 99 targets. Over the past several weeks, T.O. and his quarterback Carson Palmer have found a nice groove resulting in seven touchdowns over the past five games. Owens has scored twice in each of his last two starts and with 55 receptions and 770 yards receiving he has become a weekly must-start. With the Colts (ranked 7th against the pass) up next in week 10, Owens is looking at another productive Sunday.

Along with Owens, another receiver that has emerged as a solid weekly start is wide receiver Steve Johnson. While any offensive player on the Buffalo Bills tends to be a risky play, this has been one risk that has been paying handsomely over the past several weeks.

In his last six starts Johnson has scored six times with 35 catches for 483 yards receiving. Quietly over his last three start he has become one of the most targeted wide outs with 34 (second only to Owens over the same span). More impressively Johnson had scored in five straight games. The streak was snapped last Sunday, but in that game he still caught 11 passes for 145 yards. He has quickly become quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s go-to receiver and should be in your line up this Sunday when the Bills face the Lions (ranked 22nd against the pass)

Radar Watch

In My sites

My Fantasy Notes:

Through the first eight weeks of the season, wide receiver Bernard Berrian has been relatively non-existent, but last Sunday he showed up with nine catches for 89 yards on 11 targets. The Vikings are expected to have all of their weapons (Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin) on the field Sunday. There’s no question the opposing defense will be looking to take away Rice and Harvin, so this is the perfect time for Berrian to start gelling with his quarterback. It may be a little too soon to jump on board, but Berrian is certainly worth keeping tabs on for now.

With camp marsh-mellow in complete disarray, there has been one silver lining worth noting an that has been rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant. When healthy he is a special player with tremendous talent and upside. Thus far this season he has had his ups and downs, but in his last three games he is averaging nearly nine targets per outing. Last week against the Packers he turned in a solid performance. Bryant had nine receptions for 86 yards and a score (4 touchdown receptions in 2010) on 10 targets. He’s looking more and more like Kitna’s favorite and is quickly becoming a steady play week in and week out. With his playmaking skill he’s worth noting and even starting in some of the deeper leagues.

Last week the fantasy world was introduced to a new name and one they will likely be hearing more of in the coming weeks. The Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford displayed last Sunday against the Chiefs, exactly how speed kills. Ford came up with some very timely and clutch receptions and in overtime he and quarterback Jason Campbell connected on a 47 yard strike that set up a game winning field goal. The reason no one had heard of Ford, before last Sunday he had only been targeted 8 times. Against the Chiefs, Campbell threw his way nine times and the two connected six for 148 yards. The word out of Oakland, the kid is going to see more action. Ford already looks like a player and it’s just a matter of time before we see more evidence; keep watching.

Weekly Target Leaders...
(Unofficial numbers)

Last week’s Top 10

1. Jacob Tamme, IND (17 targets)
2. Reggie Wayne, IND (16 targets)
3. Steve Johnson, BUF (14 targets)
4. Terrell Owens, CIN (14 targets)
5. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (13 targets)
6. Dwayne Bowe, KC (12targets)
7. Percy Harvin, MIN (12 targets)
8. Bernard Berrian, MIN (11 targets)
9. Tony Gonzales, ATL (11 targets)
10. Roscoe Parrish, BUF (11 targets)
    
    
    
    

FSH: FANTASY WATCH

November 10th, 2010, Wednesday

Fantasy Watch

Orton & Lloyd Keep the Pass Game Flying A Mile High

Through the first eight weeks of the season, quarterback Kyle Orton and wide receiver Brandon Lloyd have been two of the biggest surprises this season in the fantasy world. Even though Orton lacks the big arm and Lloyd has seemingly been resurrected from the abyss, the two are on the same page and flying a mile high.

Through the first half of the season, both Lloyd and Orton have been fantasy stars.

In his first eight games this season, Orton has passed for over 300 yards in five of those and his 12 touchdowns ranks him tied for 11th in the league. He ranks third overall this season with over 2,500 yards passing and is completing more than 60 percent of his passes. In traditional scoring leagues Orton has not scored less than 16 points in any game this season and has scored more than 20 points four times.

As well as Orton has played this season, his number one target this season Brandon Lloyd has been even better. Through the first half of the season, Lloyd leads all receivers in yards with 878 and carries a 20.9 yards per catch average. For the season he is averaging more than 100 yards receiving per game to go along with his four touchdown grabs.

The main ingredient to Lloyd’s success this season has been the chemistry he has found with his quarterback. Five times this season Lloyd has been targeted in double figures and his 79 for the year rank 7th in the league. His 42 receptions also make him an attractive option in PPR leagues.

Looking forward to the second half of the season, both Orton and Lloyd have proven they are worthy starters in most fantasy formats. With the Broncos passing offense ranked 3rd overall, fantasy owners should make sure these players are in their lineups going forward until further notice.

Just my take.

By David Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 10th, 2010 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

My Fantasy Notes:

PEYTON HILLIS GOES NUTS ON SUNDAY
The Cleveland Browns must be sending over thank you cards to Bronco’s head coach Josh McDaniels every Sunday for trading running back Peyton Hillis. Built in the same form as a Mike Alstott, Hillis has shown much more versatility and playmaking ability. Sunday was just another, ho hum one of those days with Hillis scampering his way to 184 yards rushing with a couple of scores against the Patriots.
My Fantasy Read:
If any doubt had existed about Hillis’ ability, he has certainly erased all of it and earned his way onto fantasy owner’s weekly starting lineups. With 644 yards rushing, 30 receptions, and eight total touchdowns this season Hillis is a must-start every week, including PPR leagues.

JAMES JONES BREAKS OUT AGAINST COWBOYS
With an ailing Donald Driver sidelined, wide receiver James Jones had the perfect opportunity to step up and shine. Jones did just that and cashed in nine targets on Sunday for 8 receptions, 123 yards receiving and a score. Jones could have had a second touchdown, but dropped the sure pass.
My Fantasy Read:
The Packers number three slot receiver has the talent and given the opportunity he can make plays. Sunday night was his second 100-yard game of the season. With time to heal through the upcoming bye week Driver should heal and return to action, but keep your eye on Jones down the stretch. As he continues to earn Rodger’s trust, he could see plenty more balls his direction even with Driver back.

BRETT FAVRE HAS A CAREER DAY IN WEEK 9
The Vikings and their fans have been waiting and maybe, just maybe they got what they have been waiting for all season; some Brett Favre magic. Trailing by 14 points late in the 4th quarter, Favre engineered two touchdown scoring drives, capped with an 25 yard scoring strike to his tight end Visanthe Shiancoe with just 27 seconds left in regulation. The score was enough to tie the game and send it into overtime, where Favre continued to work his magic and lead his team to the game winning field-goal by kicker Ryan Longwell. On the afternoon Favre set a career high with 446 passing yards and added a pair of touchdowns.
My Fantasy Read:
This may have been what Viking fans have been waiting for and it just may propel the team back into the playoff hunt, but it was hardly enough to convince any fantasy owner to jump aboard. It’s definitely a good sign, but Favre will need to string a couple of more games together before he can be considered a dependable fantasy start

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (THE FOUR HORSEMEN)

November 5th, 2010 Friday

The Four Horsemen

Last season I picked four players each week that I believed would provide fantasy owners with a solid day of fantasy scoring. It’s not an exact science I follow, nor do I count on any genies staring into crystal balls, but for me it’s a lot of fun.

I am riding again, of course a little late in the season, but again its fun for me; so saddle up!

We Ride Again

Quarterback:
We always start with under center and while 2010 has not been the off the charts season many of us thought he would have, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been consistent just not great. Through the eight weeks Rodgers has thrown 12 touchdowns this season, but he has also tossed nine picks. This evening at home against the Cowboys could be his 2010 coming out party. In eight games this season he has only thrown more than two touchdowns just once; tonight could change that.
(my projections: 335 yards passing, three touchdowns)

Running Back:
In the backfield I will be saddling up with running back LeSean McCoy. After watching Texan’s quarterback Matt Schaub and running back Arian Foster hook up last week nine times against the Colts defense, I am expecting Eagle’s head coach Andy Reid to steal a few of those plays out of the Texan’s playbook. Foster also ripped through the Colts defense for over 100 yards, so McCoy could be looking at a big Sunday.
(my projections: 95 yards rushing, 45 yards receiving, one touchdown)

Wide Receiver:
Positioned out wide this week, I will be putting my fantasy chances in the hands of Giant’s receiver Steve Smith; Mr. Consistency. Smith has averaged 7 receptions for 87 yards in his last three starts, while adding two scores. He’s one of quarterback Eli Mannings most reliable and most often targeted options in the pass game. Against a struggling Seahawk secondary, he should be a must play for fantasy owners.
(my projections: 8 receptions, 105 yards receiving, one touchdown)

Tight end:
At the tight end spot, it’s a tough week with byes playing havoc as well as injuries depleting the position, but one play I am on board with is tight end Greg Olsen. The Bears tight end will be lining up against a Bills secondary that has allowed 7 touchdowns to the tight end position. Olsen is not a highly utilized option in the Bear’s pass game, but he should be solid today with at least one score.
(my projections: 5 receptions, 65 yards receiving, one touchdown)

FSH: MY WEEKLY FANTASY

November 7th, 2010, Sunday

My Weekly Fantasy

Sunday’s Fantasy Lineup

Some quick notes for today’s lineups….

My Quarterbacks:

With Aaron Rodgers as my top signal caller, today I like my quarterback’s matchup against the Cowboys. Rodgers will be at home this evening facing a secondary that was completely decimated last week by David Garrard (threw four touchdowns) and the Jaguars. I am expecting nothing less than Rodgers best game this season today……with Drew Brees as my other big arm, although on the road today against Carolina I would expect another solid outing, especially after passing for over 300 yards last week against the Steelers……taking a quick peek around the league a notable watch for me, Matt Cassel today against the Raiders. I don’t look for big yardage, but with Asomugha likely out Cassel could sneak in a couple of scores to Dwayne Bowe.

My Runningbacks:

This week will be a bit of a gamble for me with the bye week playing havoc. The Jets roll into Detroit today and after coming off a disappointing loss to the Packers last week I would expect Rex Ryan and company to get back to what they do; pound the ball. I like Shonn Greene to see some work today and produce against the Lions 26th ranked run defense……..with the Chiefs having great success on the ground, I will remain on the shoulders of running back Thomas Jones. His games are not as sexy as Jamaal Charles, but with a steady diet of 20 touches each week he should get plenty of yards against the Raiders 25th ranked run defense.

My Wide Receivers:

This week I will be a buyer of Johnson & Johnson, going with both Calvin (Lions) and Steve (Bills). Megatron will have a tough matchup, but with Stafford back he’ll get plenty of opportunity and at 6’5”, he’s just too big to stop…..the Bills receiver has an appealing matchup against the Bears today and with at least one touchdown in each of his last five games, he’s got the hot hand. His 10 targets in each of his last two starts are also very attractive…….another play I will be making is wide receiver James Jones who will likely start in place of the ailing Donald Driver. Two weeks ago Jones saw 8 targets and caught four balls for over 100 yards. Tonight’s matchup could be similar results against a battered Cowboys secondary that was torched a week ago for four scores.

My Tight Ends:

The tight end position happens to be one of my weakest with the loss of Jermichael Finley. And with Chris Cooley and Marcedes Lewis on bye, I could be rolling with Owen Daniels (if healthy) and the newcomer, Colts tight end Jacob Tamme. After watching Manning quickly christen the kid with 9 targets and a scoring pass, I am expecting to see repeat results against the Eagles today……Daniels however remains a risky play. He’s gametime, so unless I hear positive feedback this morning, I may have to sit him down and insert his back-up.